Gaunce has played 109 games over parts of three seasons for Vancouver, collecting five goals and six assists. The 23-year-old from Sudbury, Ont., once went 95 games without a goal. His previous two goals this season came on the road, so his last goal Thursday earned a huge cheer from the announced crowd of 18,144 at Rogers Arena.

“I couldn’t really hear,” he said. “I was pretty zoned out after I scored. It’s good to contribute.”

During the dying moments of the third Gaunce sent a puck wide of an empty Chicago net.

“I haven’t had many chances at a hat trick,” he said. “I’m going for it.”

On his first goal, Gaunce used teammate Bo Horvat as a decoy before scoring on a wrist shot.

Horvat, who has a history of being a better sniper, had no problems with the move.

“He made the right decision and made a heck of a shot,” said Horvat, who has 12 goals in 33 games this year.

“We are so happy for him. He’s worked his butt off to get to this point. He deserved to get those two goals tonight. He’s been playing great hockey. He’s getting his opportunities. To see him finally get rewarded is awesome.”

Daniel Sedin and Horvat also scored for the Canucks (21-24-6). Defenceman Troy Stecher added two assists for Vancouver, which has won five of its last eight games after going 2-11-3 in its previous 15.

Vancouver also won back-to-back games on home ice for just the second time this season.